The realization of zero translation depends to a large extent on the translator’s experience, knowledge, temperament, aesthetic concepts, cultural accomplishment, bilingualism and translation attitude. In addition, translators should also master certain zero-translation skills. The author believes that zero translation can be divided into absolute zero translation and relative zero translation. Absolute zero translation refers to achieving translatability without using target language vocabulary. Commonly used methods include omitted translation and transposition. Relatively zero translation refers to the clever use of target language vocabulary in a flexible way to appropriately express the meaning of the source language vocabulary. Commonly used techniques include transliteration, both phonetic and meaning translation, compensation, iconic translation, literal translation and annotation, domestication, etc. The following is a brief description and examples of various means to achieve zero translation when translating from English to Chinese.
Ellipsis
Ellipsis refers to the difference in usage between English and Chinese. Some words (or components) are indispensable in English, but in Chinese However, it is redundant. When translating, it needs to be omitted to make the translation more rigorous, concise and clear.
For example: At present, Chinese medicinal herbs are used to treat hepatitis. They prove to be very effective for the disease. At present, Chinese medicinal herbs are used to treat hepatitis and prove to be very effective. (Provincial translation they) There have been good results s in the experiment2ment s that have given him great encouragement. The good results in the experiment gave him great encouragement. (Provincial translation: there have been and that) There was no snow, the leaves were gone, the t rees and the grass was dead. It didn’t snow, but the leaves fell and the grass withered. (Translation from thet rees)
Transference (Transference)
Translation refers to the direct "transplantation" of vocabulary from the source language into the target language. English words "zero translated" using this method often appear in Chinese newspapers.
For example: "The English version of the book "China's Century" was published by John Wiley & Sons Publishing Company of the United States ("Guangming Daily", March 7, 2001, page 1)"; "China in 1996 "This is the rigorous period when IT drives the Web and the Web dominates IT," IBM said. "E-Generation of E-Commerce" (Guangming Daily, Page 3, February 28, 2001) "Tus.com recently launched GlobalEnglish online enrollment activities in mainland China. This activity aims to introduce the world's advanced online learning model. In China, we invite people who want to learn English to go home with 'E-Teach2er'. Students on this website can obtain an internationally authoritative English certificate after the course, and at the same time obtain English credits from the famous American college CONTRA COSTA GlobalEng2lish, including general English. English and business English ("China Education News", March 24, 2001, page 4)" and so on.
Similar translations include WTO, CD, VCD, DVD, MTV, E-mail, Internet, TMD, IP, etc., as well as some special terms. This "translation" method conforms to the progress of the times, social development and further economic globalization. It also conforms to the trend of more extensive and frequent exchanges between the East and the West. It also reflects the impact of cultural exchanges and mutual influence on language. change.
Transliteration (Transliteration)
Transliteration is a translation method that translates source language vocabulary into target language vocabulary based on pronunciation. This method is often used to translate names of people, places, brand names and some innovative words in the original language.
For example, Owen, Einstein, Bush, Green2wich, Virginia, OPEC, Audi, Motorola , Martell, Hacker, cool, clone, gene, Boeing747, Nokia, talk show, etc.
Sound-meaning Combination Translation
Sound-meaning Combination Translation refers to the combination of English words by simulating part of the pronunciation of the original word and conveying (part of) the meaning of the original word. A method of combining and translating into Chinese vocabulary.
For example: pickup truck, AIDS, yuppie, genebank, Internet, bungee jumping, Macarena ), Nippon Paint, mini-skirt, pizza-pie, Olympic Games, etc.
Compensation (Complementary Translation)
Compensatory translation refers to the transliteration of source language vocabulary into target language vocabulary that can produce just the right meaning to compensate for the semantics caused by the translation process. loss. This kind of translation can create certain associations for the target language readers, thereby deepening the understanding and impression of the source language vocabulary. This method is often used for the translation of trademark words.
For example: Coca Cola is translated as "Coca-Cola", which vividly reminds Chinese readers of the refreshing and pleasant feeling this drink brings to people - that is, "coke" and "coke" , its name actually has a sense of coincidence of sudden encounter and silent understanding; Benz was initially translated as "Benz", which was purely a transliteration and had no metaphorical meaning. Later, it was translated as "Benz", which is easy to confuse people. Thinking of the speed of a car, it is extraordinary; Head & Shoulders shampoo was originally transliterated as "Helen and Shoulders", which is cumbersome and unclear. It is far less beautiful than the current translation of "Helen & Shoulders", which better reflects the product's quality. feature. Similar ones include Pepsicola, Goldlion, Brandy, Budwiser, Philip, Whisper, Hismanal, Nike, Safeguard (Safeguard) etc.
Image Translation (Image Translation)
Image translation refers to the translation method that uses specific images to describe the appearance of something in English when translated into Chinese.
For example: U-shaped (horseshoe), Parabola (parabola), T-bandage (T-band), Zigzag incision (Zigzag incision), I-section (I-shaped section), V-band2ing( V-shaped ligation), Y-graft (Y-shaped graft), claw-foot (cavus foot), coronary artery (coronary artery), crossshaped plate (cross plate), C network (C-shaped network), H-column (H-shaped pile), J-display (J-shaped display), Ishapedst ringer (I-shaped stringer), K-strut (K-shaped pillar), T-nut (T-shaped nut), T-network (T-shaped four-terminal network) , T-iron (T-shaped iron), U-iron (channel iron), U-pipe (U-shaped tube), V-belt (triangle belt), V-stay (V-shaped cable), diamond sign (diamond sign), etc. .
Literal Translation with Notes
Due to differences in religious beliefs, political systems, humanistic history, etc. between the Chinese and English nations, it is inevitable that cultural differences will lead to word gaps. Phenomenon. When translating, if literal translation is used, it may be difficult or impossible for the target language readers to understand the information expressed by the source language vocabulary. In this case, it is often necessary to use annotations to make up for the possible lack of source language meaning in the target language.
For example: Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah to "undo the heavy burdens. . . ( and ) let the oppressed gof ree". (John Kennedy: Inaugural S peech) Translation: No matter where we are on earth, let us both remember the prophet Isaiah's (biblical character) command: "Lay off your burdens, and let all the oppressed be free." Isaiah is a prophet from the Old Testament of the Bible. He is well-educated, talented and knowledgeable. He was not afraid of power or danger, and predicted that Israel would one day be saved.
Kennedy mentioned this name in his brief inaugural address. For Westerners who believe in Christianity, its appeal and meaning are self-evident. However, if Isaiah is literally translated as "Isaiah" without annotation, Chinese readers will not be able to understand the sense of mission given by God contained in the source language. Similar translations include: American Dream (American Dream, refers to the founding spirit, freedom for everyone and equal opportunities advertised by the United States), Aunt Jemima (Aunt Jemima, originally a black cabinet girl in American commercials, refers to bowing to white people) Black women with ear-plugs), Brompton cocktail (Brompton cocktail actually refers to a cancer painkiller, named after it was first used at Brompton Chest Hospital in London) and so on.
Adaptation (Adaptation)
The domestication translation method refers to the translation of the source language using words that have similar expression functions to the source language vocabulary but often have some cultural color of the target language. Vocabulary approach.
The famous BALL MALL (cigarette), which is translated as "Shun" brand, is a typical example. BALL MALL originally means "ball court", but BALL is a homophonic sound for "wave", and MALL is a homophonic for "dying". When the waves disappear, how can the sea not be calm? And a ship sailing on a calm sea will have smooth sailing. Did you? Therefore, translating BALLMALL as "Shun" is in line with the Han nationality's psychology of paying attention to "Six or Six Great Shuns" and has an obvious Chinese cultural flavor. Another example is the name of the clothing brand E & YOU, which is translated as "Eikai", which reminds Chinese readers of the charm that the brand's clothing brings to people. The American sports series product "Nike" can be traced back to the Greek goddess. The word was used as the name of a missile in the 1950s, giving the word the meaning of speed and power. It is translated as "Nike" to make it durable. The word "gram" contains the meaning of defeating opponents, conquering the heroes, and remaining invincible in the competition, which exactly matches the original meaning of "goddess of victory". .